Agriculture
a small proportion of which are under irrigation. Most of this is for domestic consumption (including tourism) although some products are exported within the region. Very little area is planted with cereals and Grenada imports more than 90 percent of its cereals requirements (e.g. rice; wheat flour, and inputs for animal feeds). Until recently, accurate statistics were only available in relation to the number of growers and the production of Nutmeg and Cocoa (supplying the Grenada Nutmeg Cooperative Association and the Grenada Cocoa Association, respectively). Farmers supplying (Fruits and Vegetables) to the Marketing and National Importing Board were also registered as were members of the Minor Spices Association. Production patterns and outputs of livestock products and of staple root and tuber crops were guestimated. The Ministry of Agriculture has begun to set up a Farmer Registry (as well as a Fisherman Registry) which can be used for statistical and other purposes. An EU funded study outlines the broader needs in strengthening agricultural records and statistics in Grenada. Hurricanes Ivan and Emily had a devastating impact on Grenadian Agriculture. Ninety percent of Nutmeg trees were either destroyed or damaged, virtually all Banana trees were knocked down, a majority of Cocoa and Fruit trees were damaged, Arable crop lands were flooded, and significant damage to boats occurred. The recovery process has been long and difficult. Even after replanting efforts, Nutmeg and many other tree crops take many years before yielding a harvest. Grenada‘s Nutmeg production in 2008 was still only 1.39 million lbs., approximately one-tenth its average output over the 2002 to 2004 period. National Cocoa production averaged 1.75 million lbs in the early 2000s, yet was only 0.48 million lbs in 2007. However Nutmeg may have finally turned the corner in terms of production as in March 2011 Farmers produced nearly 447,000 pounds (203,000 kilograms) of Nutmeg, the peak month for production, which is a nearly 500 percent increase in the amount anticipated, said Marlon Clyne, General Manager for the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg www.businessgrenada.com
situation where there are now only about 5,000 active farmers. The large majority of farmers have less than 5 acres of land and perhaps no more than 300 to 500 farmers have holdings larger than 10 acres. Formal sector employment in Agriculture is likely to be 2000 to 3000 persons. There are some 700 registered fishing boats and many times that number of people who are active fishers. Some 256 entities are registered as AgroProcessors, the vast majority of which are micro or small-scale enterprises. There are comparatively few larger, fully commercial Agro-Processing enterprises. Historically, Grenada was best known as a supplier of spices, most especially Nutmeg and Mace. Prior to the 2004 hurricane, Grenada accounted for some 20 percent of world Nutmeg exports, with Indonesia accounting for most of the remainder. Many Nutmeg farmers also grew Cocoa as well as a range of root and tuber crops for food consumption and sale. Other spices are also cultivated, including Cinnamon, Pimento, Cloves. Some 27 spices and herbs are grown on the island. Livestock production, especially of Chickens, Goats and Pigs is widespread, although most of this occurs on a very small, backyard scale. Many different types of Fruits and Vegetables are grown,
Cocoa Pod
Association. (GCNA) “We were not prepared for that explosion,” he said. “It would be one of the biggest production months since Hurricane Ivan.” The Association were anticipating 87,000 pounds (39,400 kilograms) for the harvest in March. Production grew so sharply in part because the GCNA increased the price per pound from 93 cents to $1.50 in December, and because the Government launched a new stimulus program to cultivate abandoned fields, Clyne said. He also credited unseasonal rains. Association Manager Marlon Clyne remains cautious in that Grenada’s production is still far below pre-hurricane levels of more than 2,500 metric tons (2,750 tons) a year. It’s currently producing about 350 metric tons (385 tons) of Nutmeg a year. “We are having good quality of great numbers,” he said. “There is a shortage in the world market, so it is a step in the right direction.” Agriculture’s contribution to Grenada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown from 5.2 per cent in 2007 to over 7 per cent in 2012. The sector grew by 15 % in 2012.
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